Partnering with Your Roofer in North Wales, PA to Choose a New Roof

The time will likely come when you find roof repairs can no longer protect your investment in your home or property and you need to purchase a replacement roof. When you contact a Roofer in North Wales, PA to tackle this job, he or she will provide you with a number of roofing options, including wood, slate, concrete and asphalt. Although you may feel visual appeal is the most important factor and this is true, many other variables need to be taken into consideration also. A few to take into account include material weight and product cost, whether you are looking at residential roofing or commercial roofing.

The first thing one must understand when talking to a roofing contractor is they have a different way of taking measurements. Your Roofer in North Wales, PA will talk about a square which is the equivalent of 100 square feet. Take the square footage of your roof and break it up into ten foot by ten foot squares. Once you have this figure, you'll have a better idea of how many squares will be needed to cover the home so you can compare the cost of different roofing materials. Keep in mind, however, that there will be other material costs associated with the roof replacement.

Compare Materials for Roof Replacement

Once you understand how many squares are needed to cover the area, start comparing various materials. Cost won't be the only consideration here either. Tile and slate must be reserved for those homes with roof structures capable of carrying the weight of these materials and many homes cannot accommodate this load. Asphalt remains a popular choice, due to the low cost and ease of installation, while metal remains popular with some, especially in commercial installations. Other options to consider include cement, wood and slate. Discuss all options with your roofer to determine which best meets your needs in every respect.

When the actual roofing material has been chosen, you'll need to consider other factors which will influence the cost. This includes whether or not the old roof must be stripped, if supporting structures must be repaired or replaced, and the roof shape. Gabled roofs are very easy to work on, but homes with multiple chimneys, those with turrets, skylights, valleys or other architectural features tend to cost more as they require more work on the part of the roofer. Other materials used during the job include flashing, roof vents, and tar paper. The roofing contractor should explain all of this to you. Once he or she does, make sure the information goes into the written contract so you are covered and know exactly what you are getting for the money you have agreed to pay.

General Estimate of Each Type of Roof

You'll find your roofing contractor to be of great assistance in choosing a new roof. He or she understands the advantages and disadvantages of each type of roof, can provide a general estimate of how much each roofing type will cost, and will be able to outline the other materials needed to complete the installation. Don't rush the process as you will be living with this roof for many years to come. It's an investment in the property and mistakes can be costly so find a contractor you trust and work together to ensure the job is done right.